The Gender Differences As It Relates To Firearms Safety Training

She arrives to the firearms safety class after researching her instructor’s firearms experience and her investigative intuition has already acquired what would be expected from her. He examines and compares the varying prices of courses, and seeks information from his male circle in finding an instructor. Throughout the process of identifying a trainer, she comes into contact with several styles of training. She is turned off by those who imitate a hard core militaristic method of training. He takes in this information, and his desire is to become part of the brotherhood. He imagines himself standing side by side with these men who are the next terminators. She is not impressed by offers from male instructors that promote firearms training for women only classes. He wonders why there should be special classes for women shooters. She becomes hesitant by offers from female firearms instructors whose shooting experience is very limited. He is hesitant in taking a class from any woman unless she has demonstrated experience or has been referred.

Depending upon the gender demographic in class, she is initially quiet without a need to boast about the highest caliber she has ever shot, if any. He loves demonstrating his knowledge of any kind to the firearms class, while anticipating the countdown to range time. Her inquisitive nature spurs questions that end with a request, “Can you show me?” Usually, he offers details from the latest rumor, movie, or information that his friends “have told him.”

Upon arriving at the shooting range, she is curious and cautious. He walks up to the line and grabs the gun. Each shot that is fired on the range startles her. She does not care if anyone observes this. If anything bothers him, it is not noticeable. In fact, he is waiting to “get this show on the road.” While on the line at the range, she listens intently to her instructor’s advice. Each step taken is deliberate with focus. While on the line, he grabs the gun and proceeds to fire as rapidly as possible as if the quicker, the better. The instructor continues to make requests for him to slow down and not “slap the trigger.” A sudden, unexpected smile illuminates her face as her shot breaks the bullseye on her target. This is the encouragement that was needed to calm her nerves and uplift her confidence.

At the end of the class, her target reveals that SHE CAN SHOOT! His countenance remains unchanged. He realizes that the class is finished, however he wishes to remain on the range and continue shooting. She leaves feeling armed with more confidence, and she is now ready to begin her journey in researching what lucky firearm will be hers, eventually. It might be pink, it could be purple, but it could also dark or steel in color which matches her wardrobe at home.

Homework? Yes, most women take a firearms training course and explore the opportunities of shooting several firearms before making a purchase. Her research in finding an instructor did not end there. Much like trying on a pair of pumps, she examines how various guns fit her hand and realizes that it is indeed a very individualized choice. She asks as many questions as she does in handling several firearms before the purchase has been made. On the other hand, he primarily compares prices, solicits advice from his friends, and his selection is typically based on what is popular.

The latest Gallop Poll on guns reports that 47% of Americans now have guns more than any time since 1993. Those firearms purchases are largely attributed to women. It is reported that 23% of women confess that they are gun owners; up from 13% in 2005. I use the word confess because oftentimes, women in general don’t feel the need to announce to the world that they are a proud owner of a gun. Rather, a large percentage of female gun owners covertly carry for an element of surprise should danger surface; or their gun is safely stored at home. More men adorn their waistline with the presence of a firearm depending on the geographic regions of our country. It is like passing a fellow motorcyclist, he has joined the circle. Those who know him are familiar with his interest in firearms and his enthusiasm for shooting. There is no expected surprise or odd look from anyone as he approaches the subject. When she happens to mention that she is shopping for a firearm, eyebrows raise and some may ask, “Are you in trouble?” Her “coming out” in taking such a class or acquiring a firearm might earn her a label as “being odd,” or paranoid from certain peers or social groups in our community, but nonetheless, she might be your sister, mother, grandmother, co-worker, wife, or partner, and, SHE CAN SHOOT!

*Although some readers may view this article as being condescending in nature towards males, the purpose or intent is to post a compilation of opinions based on personal observations and experiences that have been gathered from male and female firearms instructors that note the differences as it relates to firearms training between the genders. It is merely a general observation, and the writer acknowledges that not all female and male shooters may fit in the categories that have been mentioned.

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This coming Monday night from 6-9pm, at Federal Way Indoor Range, all you Zombie hunters, don’t be late! The Zombies will be waiting for you! Enter at your own risk. Black light/low light shooting, barriers and more!! Pre-registration is recommended.

Update to my original posting on Popular Guns for Women: I have now added the new Glock 42 to my list of popular guns for women. You can read more about it on my recent post “Glock 42 has arrived”.

I frequently get asked which gun I think is the best gun for a woman. Of course, this is a difficult question to answer, and my first response is usually “Guns are like shoes, one size does not fit all”. And then I ask “What is the gun going to be used for?”. Often times, first time gun owner’s are not sure if they are ready to carry a gun, but would like the option. In order to satisfy a potential CCW recipient, a compact gun is usually the best choice. However, the smaller and lighter the gun, the more felt recoil. There is the dilemma. Based on the feedback I have received over the past year and a half, the Sig P238 in 380 caliber is the best liked, easiest to shoot, small, compact, concealable handgun available on the market today. It’s reliability has been proven, it has a nice trigger, is easy to clean, and comes in a variety of styles and colors to match just about anyone’s taste. And, the extended magazine makes it even easier to shoot without sacrificing concealment options. Sig also makes a 9mm in a similar configuration, (P938), but it does have a bit more recoil than the smaller .380. I have taken a close look at the newly released Colt Mustang, but am not as impressed with it as I am with the Sig P238. Interesting, since the P238 was modeled after the Colt Mustang.

As far as other .380 caliber handguns available today, Ruger makes an LCP and an LC380. The LCP is by far the easiest gun to conceal out of anything I have tried. But the recoil is felt by many to be too sharp, and even painful at times. The larger framed LC380 if more pleasant to shoot, but the larger size makes concealment less convenient. Both are striker fired, polymer guns and have long trigger pulls. The price is, however, considerably less than the Sig P238. Then again, you get what you pay for in most cases.

Smith & Wesson .38 SpecialWyatt Deep Cover

Another option I am frequently questioned about is the revolver. Many women have been told by men in their lives that a revolver is better suited to a woman because it is “simpler”. This almost seems like an insult to me. While a revolver is, in some ways, simpler than a semi-automatic, I don’t believe that it should be implied that a women is not capable of handling a semi-automatic due to this fact. Quite the contrary. Women are very detail oriented. Never the less, the revolver may be an excellent choice for some women. I, myself, often carry one, a Smith and Wesson .38 special, Wyatt special addition. It is 5 shot, light weight gun with a very smooth trigger. But it is not my favorite gun to shoot. The recoil is sharp, and although my groups are quite acceptable, it is challenging to be as precise as I would like to be. I do find myself going back to it as my everyday carry gun as it is so light, and has this wonderful grip with a built in hook for my waist band. (No belt required:) And occasionally, I do put it in my concealment purse. (Revolvers really are the best choice to carry and shoot in a purse.) Bigger really is better when it comes to target practice at the range. I prefer an all steel 1911 in 9mm when I want to shoot for pure pleasure.

Most important, try before you buy, whenever possible. Many ranges have rental guns available to try. It’s worth the money to rent and buy ammo, then to buy the wrong gun. Come in and see me at Federal Way Indoor Range on Tuesday evening, ladies shoot free, and I will be happy to help you pick out a couple of guns to try.

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This coming Thursday from 6:30-9:30pm at Federal Way Indoor Range. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about the laws and use of this effective self-defense tool. Students will have an opportunity to spray a mock assailant during class. Every student receives Pepper Spray Canister Set with enrollment. To register go to: http://www.federalwayfirearmstraining.com/pepper-spray-seminar/

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Friday night was our first Scarlet Pistols Club shoot at Federal Way Indoor Range. Thank you everyone for attending! We had 12 ladies present, and all had a great time sharing guns and shooting tips! I look forward to the next shoot on November 15, from 6-9. Don’t miss it!

Here us a sneak peek at some garment ideas we are designing for the club. Be sure to give us your feedback on whether you like this and would be interested in purchasing a shirt or jacket with the club name and/or your name. We are working on patches also.

There is still room for a few more students in our Women’s Introduction to Long Guns Class this coming Saturday from 9:00am-1:00pm, We supply the rifles and shot guns for the students to use during class, or you can bring your own. This is your chance to learn how to use both rifle and shotgun in a fun, interactive class. Tuition is just $175 and includes everything! Click here to REGISTER

Women and Guns is now offering a new class for women. We have taken our AR15-22 class and added Tactical Shotgun!! Now, students can come and learn how to use an AR15 and a Shotgun in the same class. This class is 4 hours in duration, and includes all equipment. Students may bring their own gun if preferred. You can register at our website: Women and Guns or stop by the range to register in person. The first class is scheduled for October 19, from 9-1.